How Plant Growth Regulators Are Shaping Modern Farming and Boosting Crop Yields

The global plant growth regulator industry size is poised for remarkable growth in the coming years. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2029, up from USD 3.3 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. This growth is fueled by rising demand for high-value crops, increased adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and a growing focus on organic farming. Changing dietary preferences and a shift toward environmentally friendly agriculture are also key factors propelling plant growth regulator market growth.

Attractive Opportunities in Europe

Europe is emerging as a key growth region for plant growth regulators (PGRs). Increasing production of high-value crops and the growing demand for organic foods are driving market adoption. Government initiatives, modern agricultural practices, and the need to enhance total crop yield through PGRs are further supporting plant growth regulator industry trends.

Expansion opportunities exist in product launches and strategic investments over the next five years. Rising awareness about the benefits of PGRs and the role of these products in preventing soil desertification are additional factors driving European market growth.

Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Dynamics

Drivers: Combating Pest Resistance

A major factor driving the PGR market is the rising resistance of pests and insects to conventional pesticides. Overreliance on chemical pesticides has led to the emergence of pesticide-resistant insects, weeds, and diseases. For example, the United States has identified 25 weed species resistant to herbicides, while in the UK, resistant black grass reduces cereal crop yields by up to 800,000 tons annually, resulting in financial losses of USD 449.2 million for farmers. PGRs offer sustainable solutions to enhance crop resilience and productivity, mitigating the impact of pest resistance.

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Opportunities: Increased Crop Production and Yield

With limited arable land and resources, boosting crop yields is critical. PGRs enhance plant health without the adverse effects associated with conventional fertilizers, supporting sustainable productivity. For instance, global soybean oilseed production is expected to rise from 367 million metric tons in 2021 to 406 million metric tons by 2029, driven by food, feed, and biofuel demand. PGRs play a vital role in achieving these yield improvements.

Challenges: Limited Grower Awareness

Despite their benefits, PGRs remain underutilized due to a lack of awareness among farmers about application methods, types, and cost-saving advantages. Education and marketing campaigns are crucial to promote adoption. Biologically synthesized PGRs also offer eco-friendly solutions for organic farming, highlighting the need for knowledge dissemination to growers, especially in developing regions.

Market Ecosystem and Key Players

The PGR market is dominated by established and financially robust manufacturers offering diverse product portfolios and global distribution networks. Top companies in plant growth regulator market include:

• BASF SE (Germany)
• Corteva Agriscience (US)
• Syngenta Group (Switzerland)
• FMC Corporation (US)
• Nufarm (Australia)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• Tata Chemicals Ltd. (India)
• UPL (India)
• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Sipcam Oxon Spa (Italy)
• De Sangosse (France)
• DHANUKA AGRITECH LTD (India)
• Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co., Ltd. (China)
• Zagro (Singapore)

Segment Insights

By Type: Cytokinins Dominate

Cytokinins hold the largest plant growth regulator industry share, thanks to their essential role in promoting cell division, shoot growth, and overall plant development. They improve crop yield and quality and are widely used in fruit and vegetable production to enhance plant vigor, flower and fruit set, and delay senescence. Advances in biotechnology have further fueled the adoption of cytokinins globally.

By Function: Plant Growth Inhibitors on the Rise

Plant growth inhibitors, such as abscisic acid, are gaining popularity for managing excessive growth and improving stress tolerance. The rise in abiotic stressors like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures has accelerated the adoption of these inhibitors, supported by R&D innovations that produce more cost-effective and efficient solutions.

Recent Developments

• Corteva Agriscience acquired Symborg (Spain) and Stoller (US) in 2023 to strengthen its Biologicals portfolio, including PGRs.
• BASF SE launched Attraxor in 2020, a PGR targeting grass growth management, enhancing its amenity market offerings.
• Corteva Agriscience partnered with NEVONEX (Bosch) in 2022 for precision crop protection, leveraging data-driven analytics to optimize PGR application and increase farmer value.

The plant growth regulator market is set for steady expansion, driven by sustainable agriculture trends, rising awareness of crop yield enhancement techniques, and innovations in biologically synthesized solutions. As governments, manufacturers, and growers collaborate to adopt PGRs effectively, the market offers promising opportunities for both established players and emerging innovators.

Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific Leads

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest share of the PGR market. With a significant portion of global agricultural output, the region benefits from a strong need to enhance productivity to meet growing food demand. Rapid technological adoption, modern agricultural practices, and supportive government policies further drive plant growth regulator market growth in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are plant growth regulators (PGRs)?
PGRs are natural or synthetic compounds that regulate plant growth, development, and response to stress. They influence processes such as cell division, flowering, fruiting, and stress tolerance.

Q2. What drives the growth of the plant growth regulator market?
Key drivers include the rising demand for high-value crops, sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming, and resistance management against pests and weeds.

Q3. Which region holds the largest share in the PGR market?
Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share due to its significant agricultural output, modern farming practices, and government support.

Q4. Who are the leading companies in the plant growth regulator market?
Leading players include BASF SE, Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta Group, FMC Corporation, Bayer AG, Tata Chemicals Ltd., and UPL, among others.

Q5. What are the challenges in adopting PGRs?
Challenges include long regulatory approval periods, high development costs, and limited awareness among growers about the benefits and correct application of PGRs.